The sports
world has shut down and events coming have either been postponed or cancelled
including of my top five events I love and that is the NFL Vikings draft party.
I absolutely understand but I can be honest and admit disappointment.
The
Minnesota Vikings continue to mystify me with all the players that have left
via free agency although know with the salary cap is an issue it is still sad
to see guys leave. I see the last two to sign elsewhere were Xavier Rhodes
signing a one year deal with the Indianapolis Colts as what has been deemed a
prove it contract.
I then saw Friday morning that Andrew Sendejo signed with
the Cleveland Browns. Yes I knew neither player was coming back but still to
know its official is strange.
I was relieved
to see the Vikings sign some guys as I watch NFL Network every day and see team
after team seemingly sign so many yet I see no Vikings activities.
I like the
addition of Michael Pierce from the Baltimore Ravens as I know the Ravens
defense typically is very good so this should be a potentially nice replacement
for Linval Joseph. The team also signed WR Tejae’ Sharpe and Anthony Zettel
(DE) from Tennessee and San Francisco respectively.
I have seen so far the
Vikings resigning Dan Bailey, Rashod Hill, and Friday they resigned Ameer
Abdullah and Brett Jones. In my opinion none of the names I have listed as free
agent signings or resigning is earth shattering news but at least it’s something
to read about and study the new guys.
I read on twitter
Commissioner Goodell announced the NFL draft will go on as plan but obviously a
way different format. I can’t wait to watch how this goes down. I have heard
theories make it a seven night draft which I would be in heaven. I don’t think
it would go to that but will be strange to see the picks coming from different
facilities or wherever they draft from. It will be strange not to see the
player in the backstage room come out and hug the commissioner in getting his jersey
with the number one on it and having hit team hat on.
My thought
on the draft does not waiver as I know the team has two first round draft
choices so I can see a package deal to trade both first round picks to move up
and get a very good defensive back. I would not be upset if they don’t trade so
take an offensive tackle and a defensive back.
I saw the
schedule like most of you have and yes we don’t know the dates or times only
know the home and away opponents. This will be my 20th year of tickets
as I was thinking last year was. It must be my old age but know this the
schedule is as tough as I have seen and after the Free agent signings I am even
more concerned. I think even if none of the players had left it would be tough
but since they are gone my stress level just got a little higher thinking what
are we going to do?
The home
schedule includes: Detroit, Green Bay, Chicago. Jacksonville, Tennessee,
Atlanta, Carolina and Dallas.
Green Bay will
always be tough as long as Aaron Rodgers in quarterback although I saw left tackle
Bryan Bulaga left via free agency. Detroit signed former Viking, Jayron Kearse
and appear to be the New England Patriots dumping ground as Jamie Collins and
Danny Shelton both signed. The Chicago Bears acquiring quarterback, Nick Foles
will be a real interesting story to see him compete with Mitch Trubiskey.
Jacksonville
will be my least worry on the home schedule although this is the time I should
worry. The Tennessee Titans come in with Derrick Henry and his tough running
style and with the loss of some of our starters gone will be a more worrisome
problem.
Atlanta Falcons
come in with new running back, Todd Gurley. Yes he has been injured the last
couple of years but you know he will come in with a chip on his shoulder. Matt
Ryan and Julio Jones must be relieved with no more Xavier Rhodes as Jones
always seemed to struggle vs Rhodes. The Carolina Panthers come with new
quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater. I am so happy for Teddy but the day the Vikes
play him will be my only day not cheering for him.
The Dallas
Cowboys come to town and with that their fans will flock US Bank Stadium. They
signed Amari Cooper to the 100 million contract and see Tight End, Jason Witten
leave for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cowboys did add Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and
defensive tackle, Gerald McCoy.
The road
schedule sees the Vikings travel to Chicago, Green Bay, Detroit, Houston,
Indianapolis, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, and Seattle.
I start with
looking at the quarterbacks will face highlighted by Deshaun Watson (Houston),
Phillip Rivers (Indianapolis), Drew Brees (New Orleans), Tom Brady (Tampa Bay)
and of course Russell Wilson (Seattle). Wow what a challenge for the Vikings
defense and yes I can’t forget Aaron Rodgers although I would like to one day.
The Texans
will be a challenge with the likes of JJ Watt and Watson but the subtraction of
all world receiver, Andre Hopkins which might be the strangest trade all off
season.
The
Indianapolis Colts as I said earlier Rivers will be the quarterback but now add
former Viking, Xavier Rhodes. How will he play? Will he be his former Pro Bowl
self? My luck he will be very noticeable and not in a bad way.
The New
Orleans Saints oh where do I begin? The playoff losses suffered to the Vikings
and in New Orleans sets up for potential ugliness. Their offense is already wow
but now add Super Bowl champ wide receiver, Emmanuel Sanders. I say the rich
get richer!!!!!
Tampa Bay I
mean Tampa Tom will be the story of the year as Brady signed the two year 50 million
guaranteed contract. Yes, the next Super Bowl is in Tama and Brady there will
be a nonstop talker. The weapons he has are not like he had in New England. The
NFC South will be the most watched Division in football. I love the Vikings division
I will watch honestly a lot more. Brees, Ryan, Brady and Bridgewater what a powerhouse
of quarterbacks although I know Teddy is not necessarily proven.
The Seattle
Seahawks and the 12th man is always a challenge for the Vikings and
like the Packers until Russell Wilson retires the Seahawks will always be in
contention for the playoffs. Seattle signed Tight End, Greg Olsen who always
been a top tier tight end and just another challenge for the Vkings defense.
The Vikings
have very good skill players with Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Kyle
Rudolph and I look Bisi Johnson. The offensive line to make an obvious statement
is truly concerning,
The defense
is concerning so with Coach Zimmer and the defensive staff we will see just
what they get for production.
I am a fan
so I want to and have to believe in my favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings.
Thank you
for reading
Stay safe
everyone please
Purplestick
It was not
that long ago I was jumping off my couch when I watched Kyle Rudolph catch the
game winning touchdown in overtime to upset the New Orleans Saints. It was then
the next week I wanted to roll off my couch feeling sick after watching the
Vikes get destroyed by the 49ers and I did want to get up.
I look at
the my favorite team and love them for many reasons but I knew watching the
game in San Francisco we were not even on the same level as the 49ers beat us
and I don’t mean the scoreboard. We were beat in all three phases by a superior
team.
I got asked
by many as they know my passion and the question was, “what do we need in the
draft?” I responded and no joke “we need one of everything.”
I know the
salary cap is a huge issue and so players will be leaving but who I thought. I
have loved Xavier Rhodes play up to a year ago where it seemed this last season
something was terribly wrong. I heard like many of you the likes of Trae Waynes,
Linval Joseph, Everson Griffen were the three I heard most often and add Xavier
Rhodes.
I absolutely
love NFL Free Agency Frenzy every year as it is like Christmas for me as I see
what kind of toys we will get to add to the roster I mean players.
This first
two days have been crazy and I know it was not official until 4:00pm on Tuesday
but all these deals were announced Monday although not official
.
Stefon Diggs
has been a very popular talking point anywhere from last season to this
offseason. I know I read many people felt the Vikings would deal him but I did
not see it coming. Yes, I was wrong as I see Diggs to the Buffalo Bills. I was
stunned no only by the announcement but even more so seeing all we got back for
him. I read someone called it a Herschel Walker deal except this time the
Vikings got the best of the deal. I loved Diggs as a receiver but his attitude
seen on TV and read about was very concerning to me. I wish Diggs the best in
Buffalo and thank him for his years and will never forget the Minneapolis
Miracle.
I read
earlier the Vikings terminated the contracts of Xavier Rhodes and Linval Joseph
ending the speculation of whether they would stay or not. It’s the NFL and
stands for not for long but also the salary cap needs relief. I believe the
loss of Joseph is way more painful as I loved his stuffing the middle on the
run. I saw Tuesday night the Los Angeles Chargers signed Linval to a two year
deal. I have not seen anything on Rhodes as of yet.
The name
Trae Waynes was a talking point after the season on would he return and I saw Cincinnati
Bengals gave him a three year contract for 42 million so I got my answer on
would he be on the 2020 roster.
Everson
Griffen’s contract was voided but I feel he will be back but for a much lesser
amount so we will see what goes down.
I do really
love the new contract for CJ Ham and feel he is worth every penny. A young man
out of Augustana College making the squad as a rookie free agent back a few
years ago is doing alright proving his worth.
The loss of
Waynes and Rhodes is shocking only because we lost both cornerbacks so I am
real curious how the team will handle filling these huge openings. I have seen
more than my share of mock drafts but what I see universally is a defensive
back with the first round pick.
I was
shocked Tuesday when I saw the Vikings announce they terminated the contract of
Josh Kline. I am by no means an offensive lineman expert but I thought Kline
might have been the 2nd best behind tackle, Brian O’Neil.
The Vikings
have always stressed in my mind the defensive side of the ball but this
offseason might be one of the most important in years addressing and trying to
figure out how to replace these veterans.
The Tom
Brady saga is by far the biggest story line thus far as I watched two hours on
NFL Network watching the NFL experts giving their opinions. I am of the mind that did not see Brady
leaving. This story of Tampa Tom will be beat to the ground. Yes the Super Bowl
is in Tampa so will Brady be able to take his team to be the first team ever to
play in their home for the Super Bowl?
I love the division
he is now in as he will face Drew Brees twice, Matt Ryan twice and now Teddy
Bridgewater twice. I can’t wait to watch these matchups. I add in the Vikings
get to play in Tampa Bay this year. The Bridgewater signing in Carolina I could
not be happier for Teddy and wish him so much success.
It’s been a
great TV watch the first two days seeing Phillip Rivers signing with the
Indianapolis Colts and Marcus Mariota signing with the Las Vegas Raiders as
quarterback headliners.
How about
former Cowboy, Jason Witten signing with the Raiders? Who will sign Andy Dalton,
Cam Newton, Jameis Winston? Who will be the New England Patriots starting QB?
The question
did Bill Belichick need Tom Brady or Brady need Bill? The question that has
been out there for years will now get answered. I love the Buffalo Bills are
now getting the love that they are favored to win the AFC East.
I love
football for so many reasons and this week of Free agency is one of many
reasons I do. The draft coming in April in Ls Vegas will it go down with the
virus seemingly everywhere? I hope so because I can’t wait to see what Vegas
looks like with their main street closed.
I close by
saying if the draft goes down I believe the Vikings will take a defensive back.
I can’t wait for draft night because it’s like for me a kid waiting to open a
present.
Thank you
for reading
Purplestick
It’s Sunday
January 12th the day I am writing this one day after the Vikings
season ended on a terrible note. It had been all week I heard comparisons of
1987 playoff run as the Vikes shocked the Saints them the 49ers before falling
to the Washington Redskins in the NFC Championship game.
I watched
last week all the experts take the Saints and then the Vikes shock the world
beating the Saints in OT. I watched again the pregame to the San Francisco and
the majority of the experts picked the 49ers.
I really
felt the 49ers defense was much better than the Saints especially the 49ers
front seven. I came in optimistic with nothing to lose as one again the Vikes
faces tough odds taking on the one seed 49ers.
It had been
a long day waiting for the game at 3:35 as I watched countless hours on TV of
game breakdowns and listening to facts and figures.
It was
finally game time and once again the Vikings start the game with the ball. I
thought this would be a great chance to show the 49ers we came to play. I guess
I was wrong three very painful plays to start with little or no yards and the
Vikings were forced to punt.
Ok, defense
it’s your turn to show the 49ers you mean business and you will stop the 49ers.
One problem the 49ers did not follow my hope in fact they moved the ball so
easy it was if we had no defense even on the field. I was very upset, mad and
confused on just how easy 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo took his offense
right down the field and it’s 7-0 49ers.
Great a terrible
opening Vikings drive followed by an easy touchdown by the 49ers is a fan’s
nightmare especially in a game of this magnitude.
The Vikings
brought hope back into my life as I see Kirk Cousins throw a very nice deep
ball down the left sidelines, and maybe even a better adjustment by Stefon
Diggs to catch the ball and he walks into the endzone. My world is back in
order as the game is tied 7-7
It seemed
all day the 49ers could run the ball whenever they wanted and even a Vikings
defender tripping the back and they still fell forward 3-4 yards. I know the
commentators had mentioned that 49ers coach, Kyle Shanahan would love to have
50/50 with pass and run but I believe at one point of the game the 49ers had 30
straight runs. Their running game is impressive and even more so using a three
headed attack.
It seemed
the Vikings run game as soon as the handoff the 49ers were not very good hosts
as they rudely met Dalvin Cook at the point of handoff.
It was a
strange first half as the 49ers had gone up 14-7 but thanks to a Eric Kendricks
giving the Vikes good field position which they get three out of. It’s halftime
and as badly as I felt we got outplayed it’s only 14-10.
The second
half was as ugly as it gets watching the Vikings offense do absolutely nothing
as I believe 9 drives and there were 7 three and outs.
The 49ers
offense didn’t necessarily light it up but they really did not have to as they
played a great ball control offense and let me feeling sick to my stomach.
It was a day
of not only terrible performance but also see things happen to the Vikes that
left me shaking my head. I look back at the first half with the 49ers in 3rd
down and long the Vikes get great pressure. I see Garoppolo throw a wounded
duck with three Vikings defenders around and somehow a 49er dives and makes a
sick catch.
It was again
the Vikings defense stepped up in one key drive forcing a three and out and a
punt. I see the ball punted and I could tell Marcus Sherels struggled finding
it with and it hits Sherels bounces and 49ers recover. Oh no wee had a small
chance for a glimmer of hope of maybe finding a spark. It wasn’t meant to be
and the 49ers cash in with a touchdown really ending my dreams of a trip to a
potential Super Bowl.
It was just
the 2nd to last home game vs the Green Bay Packers on national TV
where the Vikings offense totaled an embarrassing 7 first downs for the game
and less than 200 yards in offense.
It’s not
even a month later and as I am watching the game and really never realizing the
Vikings had five first downs for the game in the 4th quarter. I then
see a stat put up on the TV screen that six was the worst in NFL history in
post season play.
I now have
to worry because in my mind the game was lost but please oh please do not set
an NFL record.
I thank the
San Francisco 49ers for allowing us to get the first downs by playing their backups
and also playing more zone defense. The Vikings finished with a measly 7 first
downs which is good for 3rd worst so at least it’s not the worst.
The offense
was absolutely miserable and made me want to get sick. It seemed every drop
back Cousins was either sacked or harassed causing terrible throws.
As I
mentioned the 49ers put their backups in and they even got two sacks. It was an
ugly day and left me wondering what the offseason moves that need to be made.
It was also
a loss which was the 30th playoff loss in Vikings history which puts
them #1 in playoff losses.
There is so
much blame for yesterday’s loss but won’t point the finger at anyone as it was
a terrible and embarrassing loss.
I always ask
myself if we are going to lose is it easier to deal with in an OT loss or
getting dismantled?
The answer
is a very easy getting dismantled although I never want to see the team lose.
It’s hard to not like the 49ers chances of going to the Super Bowl because if
they play like that next Sunday I can’t see either Seattle or Green Bay beating
them.
Thank you
for reading
Purplestick
The life of
a Vikings fan is hard to know just where it started. I have loved football my
whole life yet never played a down as it is too physical and at times looks
painful.
I think in
my opinion is when I moved to Owatonna in 1987 knowing the team was training 45
minutes away in Mankato. Is this the reason?
I f so I am
not sure why I did not make my first ever trip to Mankato until 1994. It was an
experience going but I was shy yes I said shy meeting players and just getting
to know what the experience of Training Camp was all about. I learned year
after year it’s not just going to practices its meeting fans from not only the
United States but indeed fans come from all over the world such as Germany and
England is what I met.
I am not
sure how I decided to approach the venture of being a season ticket holder but
I guess you talk about it enough you get guts and plunge in and has it ever been
worth it with so many memories good and bad
I was able
to go to a few games through the year’s one or two and loved it but it wasn’t
season tickets. I remember in 1997 my dad called and said he had a coworker who
had season tickets but couldn’t use them that year for unknown reasons so I
bought them from her just for the one season.
I will never
forget it as I bought two so each week I brought someone with. It was crazy
because it was in the Metrodome and I don’t remember the section number but
they were row one on the end zone. I would never do these seats again for two
reasons and one is cost and two is when the team was right in front of me it
was awesome but when they were going the other way I found myself watching the
big screen seeing what yard line they were on.
In 1998 was
the year I decided to make a commitment to season tickets and that was the year
never to forget. Anyone remember a certain number 84? Yes, Randy Moss’s rookie
year. It was a season where the Vikings offense broke an NFL record of point by
a team. It was a 15-1 year and playoffs all in my first year as a committed
season ticket holder.
The Vikes
get a bye then win at home and host the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Title game
with winner moving on to the Super Bowl. I was so confident we were going to
Miami I started getting airline, hotel and anything else I could get lined up.
I will never
forget the game including taking a knee before half which I did not like. The
Falcons make a comeback and we go to overtime. I remember before OT Gary
Anderson lining up to kick the win that would guarantee a trip to Miami. I
remember myself along with 65,000 plus other fans chanting Super Bowl, Super
Bowl, Super Bowl. The snap, the hold the kick and I was jumping up and down
because I swore it went in but I saw the refs motion no good. It was a gut wrenching moment. It’s easy to
blame Gary but I look at so many missed opportunities in a team sport.
It was awful
watching Falcons kicker, Morten Anderson drill the game winning kick in
overtime and I watched Falcons’ Coach Dan Reeves doing the dirty bird on the
Metrodome stage.
It was an
absolutely devastating day in my life as a Vikings fan but time does heal and
the next season soon will be here.
I mentioned
heart break earlier and yes plenty such as the 1987 NFC Championship game and
seeing Darrin Nelson drop a touchdown in the end zone and the season was over.
I went to St. Louis for a playoff game s the tea known as the fastest team on
turf and yes they were as I made the long trip home from St. Louis after being
eliminated.
My wife and
I went to the Superdome in 2010 and watched the Saints kick the game winning
field goal in overtime to send the Saints to the Super Bowl making a long flight
home from Louisiana.
My wife and
I went to Green Bay for the playoff game when Christian Ponder was hurt and Joe
Webb was the quarterback. It was my first and only time to Lambeau and again
made for a long trip back to Owatonna.
I am a
lifelong and proud Vikings fan and losing definitely stinks and hurts like hell
but the next day I get out of bed and life does continue maybe a little slower
sometimes but it does roll on.
As they say
with all bad comes good and I have had plenty of that and just keeps my purple
blood flowing,
1998 seeing
Randy Moss come onto the scene and being at the games seeing it in person was
incredible. 2009 seeing Brett Favre quarterback the Vikings including watching
him play at home vs the Green Bay Packers with the Vikes winning. It made him
the first quarterback ever to beat all 32 teams and I was there.
The 49ers
game that year with Favre dropping back with 49ers all over him and he find
Greg Lewis in the back of the end zone for a catch I will never forget.
The San
Diego Chargers game when Adrian Peterson broke the all-time rushing yards in a
game with a monster 2nd half.
The game
this season with the Vikings being down 20-0 to Denver at halftime and the
Vikings come back to win.
I have had
season tickets 19 years and been in all three stadiums: (Metrodome,TCF Bank and
US Bank) and proud to say I have only missed four games ever. My daughter got married
on a preseason game day, my other daughter’s traveling soccer team made and won
the state championship and I had foot surgery costing me two games. You can see
these are four very good reasons to miss a game.
I have been
to 27 straight years of Vkings Training Camp and have a basement room loaded
from floor to ceiling in Vikings gear. I am not the biggest Vikings fan in the
world but I do love the team with all my heart.
It was just
last Saturday the Vikings traveled to New Orleans and I knew we had a little
hope with the odds so stacked against us. I see Adam Thielen fumble and have a
bad feeling but the more you watched the more you believed. The touchdown catch
by Rudy and all was right in this purple world of mine. It’s an emotion that
can’t be described.
Saturday vs the
49ers will be tough but the way this whacky season has gone all things are possible.
I am a fan win or lose and winning pf course really helps but no matter what
whether the Vikings are Super Bowl champs I be ready and geared up for 2020.
Thanks you
for reading
Purplestick
The
Minnesota Vikings came into Sunday’s game on a two game slide and both games
were home disasters so the Vikes get sent to New Orleans as a six seed. Oh my the
Vikings are facing one of the hottest teams in the NFL in New Orleans who are
just averaging 40 points in a game.
I watched
Fox Pregame like I do every Sunday I am home and watched the Pregame hosts all
picks the Saints and Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long even went so far as saying
the Saints will win by 17. Terry Bradshaw even made a comment where the Vikings
have no chance and the way the Vikings had looked the last two weeks it made me
worry.
I watched
Saturday the Houston Texans make an incredible comeback and win in OT and then
Tennessee knocks out New England. Is this the weekend slanting to a Vikings win
with the mentality of the Vikings vs the world?
The Vkings
win the coin toss and how many times do we see the team defer to the 2nd
half well the Vikings shocked me and took the ball to start. I love this call
on the road being a huge underdog. The way the first series started for the
Vikings saw a nice run by Dalvin Cook but then the unthinkable catch by Adam
Thielen and fumble only to see the Saints return and start at the Vikings 37. I
believe a lot of big defensive series by the Vikings but maybe the biggest was
holding the Saints to a Field Goal. What a win for the Vikings defense.
I thought
the Vikings offensive line played their worst game at home vs the Green Bay
Packers but Sunday’s performance was simply awesome. The running game was awesome
by Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison each gauging big runs but again can’t run
without the blocking. I also thought the Vikings overall pas protection was
unbelievable with a few exceptions. The first half Saints Cam Jordan was really
a non-factor.
I am usually
worried about Drew Brees but Sunday the player who succeeded too much was
Tayson Hill who killed the Vikings defense alone which I can’t believe as Brees
had historical low first half.
The Saints
go up 10-3 but the Vikings come back to get a Field goal which to me is huge
getting any points on the hostile environment.
The Vikings
and Dalvin Cook drive and get the most important touchdown of the season
putting the purple up 13-10. I had mentioned earlier the defense coming up with
an early big stop well this time Saints kicker, Will Lutz misses a field goal
wide right giving the Vikings a huge break as it could have been 13-13 at
halftime.
The Vikings
come out and stop the Saints and take the ball and drive going up 20-10. I am
feeling better but by no means comfortable as I have been a fan so long and
know my heart can be ripped but I must believe.
The defense
was short both Mackenzie Alexander and Mike Hughes coming in which gave me
extreme stress as I feared the Saints will open it up throwing left and right
and I knew the Vikings defensive line had to play of their lives. I could not
be happier with the effort as I saw Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen both
played a monster game.
Drew Brees
had not fumbled all year until long armed Hunter knocks the ball free and the
Vikings recover. Is this a sign the upset is going to happen? The Saints only
had 8 turnovers on the year and the Vikings force two with the first half
interception by Anthony Harris and then the fumble.
I still can’t
believe as I type this just how good the Vikings did look most if not all of
the game. The running game, the passing game and pass rush were incredible.
There was so
much I loved but players concerned me and that was Stefon Diggs and his
tantrums and Xavier Rhodes blowing up on the sideline after getting burned
badly on a touchdown.
Diggs in an incredible
athlete and love his catches and Rhodes played as good as I have seen in quite
a while but we obviously do not need this especially in crunch time.
The fourth
quarter is as much as my heart can take as I turn 55 on January 13th
but when it’s 20-17 and Drew Brees decided to get hot and there they go to get
a regulation ending field goal sending the game to Overtime.
The Saints
big three, Brees, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas were all non-factors in my opinion
for much of the game making me still continue to wonder if this would be the
upset of the new decade.
I do look
back and wonder about the Saints clock management and the end of regulation not
using a timeout nut instead a 10 second run off they were ok with. I am in
shock sitting on my couch feeling the worst is to happen but we survived and
the field goal ties it
It was
2009-10 I was at the Saints-Vikings NFC Championship and overtime it went. I
remember watching the Saints win the coin toss and taking it for the game
winning field goal. It was the next year the rule was changed and both teams
get the ball unless the first drive ends in a touchdown.
The Vikings
Everson Griffen calls heads on the coin toss and here we go a Vikings touchdown
and it’s over.
My hands always
sweat game but this overtime I could have wrung my hands out. What a drive including
a play call that shocked the heck out of me. I see Kirk Cousins drop back and
throw it deep and see Thielen make an unreal over the shoulder catch and off my
couch I came screaming, “He caught it.” I still can’t believe a pass play was
called.
The Vikings
are on the two and my heart is beating out of my body and then I see two runs
to the left by Dalvin. Its 3rd and goal and I see Kyle Rudolph up on
top one on one I prayed to myself to please throw it up Cousins because Rudolph
will not be denied.
Boom game
over and the Vikings match out of New Orleans with their first ever overtime
win in playoff history.
I am still
shocked an offensive genius, Sean Payton looked like he was in shock most of
the game with the game plan Coach Zimmer came up with. I have been so critical
of no adjustments well Sunday was a game of adjustments.
Thank you
for reading
Purplestick
Each and
every year the team and fans find out dates and time around draft time and then
it’s a wait period to opening week. It’s like Christmas for me feeling like a
little child who can’t wait for the present to open and in this case it’s a
week 1 home match vs Atlanta.
The season
was so crazy for the Vikes who take care of business in the first two home
games vs Atlanta and Oakland but unfortunately the first two road games were as
bad as it gets as Week 2 at Green Bay falling behind 21-0 before making a
terrific comeback only to have an early season dagger to the heart when we see
Kirk Cousins make a throw into double coverage to the mon of Vikings fans heard
round the world. The other game was at Chicago and I happened to be in
Wisconsin traveling so I did not see most of it and when I got home I watched
the replay and I did not have the flu but after I felt like throwing up in
disgust as both sides of the ball were destroyed.
The next
four games with three vs the NFC East who in my opinion is typically a very tough
division to play. The game in New York I was very nervous mainly because this
was on paper a winnable game and add in rookie QB, Daniel Jones getting the start
this game should be a W. The team did not let me down but then we come home to
face the Philadelphia Eagles and to my surprise it was an easy win as I enjoyed
watched Stefon Diggs running free through the Eagles secondary.
The Vikes go
to Detroit and these games no matter what the record are a dogfight and usually
low scoring but in this case the Vikes Offense put up 42 points but disappointingly
the defense allowed 30. It is however a win and then back home to Thursday
night football at home vs the Washington Redskins. The Vikes were picked as a
huge favorite by Las Vegas I believe the spread was around 16. This makes me extremely
uncomfortable as last year the Vikes were 17 point favorites at home vs Buffalo
Bills and ended up losing 27-0. I feel if I know historic Las Vegas numbers don’t
you think Washington reads the same info? Yes we won but did not cover the spread
so I beg and plead Las Vegas to please stop making the Vikes such big
favorites.
The season
is half over and the Vikes are sitting at an impressive 6-2 as we were seeing
big performances by Dalvin Cook and Kirk Cousins was starting to light it up.
The second
half starts with a trip to Kansas City and I was feeling good only for one big
reason and that was Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes was out as well as 2-3
other starters. Oh man this is such a winnable game and there I go thinking
because 2nd string Chiefs quarterback looks like he had never sat on
a bench and yes the Vikes fall. This loss really hurt because now you go on the
road to Dallas making it two straight weeks the Vikes have to play in hostile stadiums.
The loss also hurt because Adam Thielen reinjured his hamstring, I was shocked
he tried to come back this soon but I also wanted to believe he would be ok to
play.
It makes it
worse because the Dallas game is on Sunday night football and I have to listen
to the announcers praise, praise and praise Dak Prescott and Zeke Elliott. The
Vikes got the last laughs and surprised even me stealing a road win on Sunday
night football. I remember all the pregame show clean sweep picking the
Cowboys.
It’s been a
crazy two weeks on the road with the Denver Broncos coming to US Band and the
Vikes should win this easily. The problem is the Denver Broncos are an NFL team
as well and took it to the Vikes 20-0 at half. I will never forget the fans
booing as loud as I may have ever heard after that performance. I saw fans
leaving by droves at half. I never leave and never will because you never know.
I know the chance was slim because Minnesota showed no signs of life.
It had to be
a butt chewing of a lifetime in the locker room because as you know the Vikes
scored 27 straight to win 27-0. I will never forget standing the last four
plays watching the ball thrown by the Broncos QB and each time I held my breath
and on 4th down I see the pass get knocked down and it was pandemonium
in US Bank with the fans that were left.
The year the
bye week came late and I will be selfish and say I needed the bye week more
than the team watching these first 11 games. I am 54 and my heart needs to take
a rest please.
The last 5
starts with Sunday night football in Seattle. It again I thought was a winnable
game but Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson gets the job done. This particular
night I did have it up to my eyeballs with Wilson being mic’d up and I felt we
got to hear that way to much. Wilson is a top five Quarterback but enough is
enough.
Alright
playoffs are looking good for the Vikes
and 3 of the last four games are home and even better it’s the Lions, Packers
and Bears oh my. Detroit again is a feisty team and hard to destroy with all their
injuries including Quarterback, Matthew Stafford out for the year and the Vikes
win by just 13 but it’s a win.
The team
travels to Los Angeles Chargers to play in a strange stadium where every game I
have seen when the Chargers play you see more opposing fans than Chargers fans and
once again the Vikes fans take over the stadium and make it a home game. I was
once again nervous because this is a game the Vikes tend to get tripped up but
this time no tripping and in fact the biggest point spread road win in I
believe 27 years.
It’s time
for home cooking starting with the Green Bay Packers on Monday night football.
The Vikes need to be the Packers and the Bears and they are the five seed. The
fans are fired up and then exactly what the Vikes and fans needed, a fumble and
return to the 10. US Bank was rocking and it was loud until the Vikes settle
for a Field goal. It’s in my opinion a win for the Packers and they go on to
win the NFC North at US Bank. Ouch!!!!
The Bears
roll in with neither team apparently caring who wins but with the Vikes Coach
Zimmer opts to rest the starters and this call will be talked about for weeks
to come especially if the Vikes go one and done and then the starters will be
rested for a long time.
It was a
season with so much up and downs along with the Vikes going 4-0 vs NFC East and
3-1 vs AFC West. The Vikes 10 wins were against teams that finished with a
53-90-1 and one of the win was vs playoff bound, Philadelphia Eagles.
It’s the
playoffs and anything can happen and this fan is hoping for a little shock the
world in New Orleans.
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
The
Minnesota Vikings came into Sunday’s home game vs Denver on a high after
winning on the road on Sunday night football in Dallas. The team knew Denver
has a top 5 defense so this would be a great chance to see how good the Vikes
offense really is. A win would be huge for many reasons including it would be a
win going into the bye week with a chance to get some much needed rest.
I got to the
game my normal 1.5 hours early and I was so shocked to see as much orange as I
did outside the stadium and when I entered it got worse as patches of orange
jerseys in seats already. I don’t know a number but if you wanted me to guess I
would say 70 percent Vikes to 20 percent Broncos fans and that might be low but
I will say the orange does really stick out next to purple.
The fans
seems to really be into the game as it was loud but as the half went the noise
you heard was booing consistently. It was not a very fun feeling sitting
amongst so much booing and honestly I can’t blame fans. There was so much to
play for and a home game at that and the first half looked like Denver was the
7-3 team and the Vikes were the 3-6 team.
The first
half really seemed to go Denver’s way by getting favorable calls or having a
couple time real good pass defense and yet Denver receiver were making the
crazy catches. I remember an end around to Broncos receiver, Sutton who stops
and cocks his arm and there goes a pass and I see the catch and I shake my head
wondering how on earth did they catch that pass? It was a half of my stomach
not feeling good with so many things going run for the Vikings whether
self-inflicted or not.
The Vikings
offense struggled mightily and I saw no sense of hope at the time. The Vikes
had ran 18 plays in 5 drives and had four first downs for the half, yes the
half. I remember a play call on 2nd and 19 and Minnesota calls for a
draw play. You have got to be kidding as even I knew they were going to run the
ball and it was things like that that made for an absolutely tough half to
watch.
I wasn’t too
high on the Vikings defense either letting a quarterback in his first road game
ever to look as sharp as he did.
The half
mercifully ends and the Vikes are down 20-0and a chorus of boos like I have not
heard in a very long time rained down on US Bank Field. You just did not have a
good feeling about the game but as they say play a full 60 minutes and we will
see what happens.
The first
half was brutal but the halftime show of Salute to the Military was priceless
and videos of WWII were shown on the jumbo Tron and then five World War II
veterans were announced to the crowd one by one. The ages ranged from 95-101 of
these WWII survivors as they walked towards the end zone with the exception of
one Gentlemen who was brought up by way of wheelchair. The first half was
quickly put behind as thousands of fans rose to their feet in cheering for
these five. It was an incredible sight and
a memory I will treasure for a long time.
I mentioned
at half the booing and I forgot to add several fans left the stadium including
the two next to me as they left in disgust of the team’s performance.
I wondered
what kind of butt chewing at halftime by Coach Zimmer and staff knowing they
heard the same booing fans and I heard.
The Vikings
finally put together a drive and it’s a Kirk Cousins to Irv Smith Jr which was
his first ever NFL TD. The fans in the stadium really seem to give a different
sense as it 20-7 and as bad as we played we are not out of it.
The Broncos
like they did all game seem to make the plays when needed and this time get a field
goal out of it and its 23-7 now two touchdowns and two, two point plays to tie.
The whole
first half had Cousins with 58 yards total in the first half but all of a
sudden a fake handoff to Dalvin Cook, Cousins rolls to his left and throws a
great deep ball and Stefon Diggs runs under it and it 23-13 but the two point
failed.
This US Bank
Stadium came to its feet yelling and screaming making it so hard to hear. It
was such an opposite from the first half but again every time Denver needed a
third down conversion they succeeded. It was so frustrating watching the
Broncos success as the Vikings defense could not get off the field.
The Vikes
did make stops but not as many as I would like to see and on offense funny the
Vikes were passing as almost will moving down the field and in the end Dalvin
Cook finds the end zone and we are down by three.
Are we going
to make this huge comeback win? The Broncos at the time answer almost a no
again as the Broncos move it onto field goal range and their kicker, McManus
who I feel never misses missed it wide right. Is this a sign?
The Vikes
get the ball and move again and funny another fake handoff, Cousins rolled left
and down the field was a wide open Kyle Rudolph and I jumped out of my seat
seeing that and now hoping Cousins would see him too and he did the Vikes are
now up 27-23 coming back from a 20-0 halftime deficit.
The game is
far from over as Denver is bound and determined to rip my heart out converting
on several 3rd down and long and even one or two 4th down
conversions,
There was
not a single fan sitting in the final 10 seconds as passes were going to the
end zone and all I could do is hold my breath in hopes of failure. I really
appreciate the refs letting the players play because I fear there could have
been pass interference called. The last play with: 02 seconds left in the game
and I see Broncos Quarterback Allen drops back surveys the field and there goes
the ball to the far right of the end zone. My heart just sank watching until I
see the ball dropped at US Bank went into a frenzy as well as the Vikings
players and coaches.
We all just witnessed
the tied 4th biggest comeback in team history by the Minnesota
Vikings and the first in the last 100 NFL games including playoffs to come back
from a 20 point or more halftime deficit.
The Vikes
now have a bye week and my heart can rest after watching the Dallas game end on
a failed hail marry pass and then the miracle comeback at US Bank. I am too old
for this but I do love it.
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
